Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Humanized NOG Mice for Intravaginal HIV Exposure and Treatment of HIV Infection
Published on: January 31, 2020
Aging and Apolipoprotein E in HIV Infection
Rebeca Geffin1, Micheline McCarthy2
1Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
Insights
Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows longer lifespans for people with HIV. However, aging and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) may accelerate brain aging and neurocognitive impairment in HIV patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a chronic condition, increasing patient lifespan.
- Despite ART, HIV-infected individuals experience accelerated aging, manifesting as organ-associated diseases and systemic syndromes similar to older, uninfected individuals.
- HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) represent a spectrum of neurological, cognitive, and motor deficits, potentially linked to accelerated aging mechanisms or superimposed comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the influence of aging on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.
- To examine the role of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the development of HAND.
- To understand the interaction between aging, ApoE, and cognitive function in the context of long-term HIV infection and ART.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on aging, ApoE, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
- Analysis of evidence linking chronological age and biological aging processes to neurocognitive deficits in HIV.
- Investigation of studies exploring the association between ApoE genotype and HAND prevalence and severity.
Main Results:
- HIV infection, even with effective ART, is associated with accelerated brain aging and increased risk of neurocognitive impairment.
- Comorbidities common in aging, coupled with chronic inflammation from HIV, exacerbate neurocognitive deficits.
- The role of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in HAND is debated, with conflicting evidence regarding its interaction with age to affect brain function in HIV patients.
Conclusions:
- HIV-infected individuals are living longer, necessitating a focus on age-related health issues, including neurocognitive function.
- Aging and ApoE are critical factors to consider when evaluating neurocognitive impairment in the growing population of long-term HIV survivors.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex interplay between aging, ApoE, and HAND to optimize management strategies.
Abstract:
With the implementation of increasingly effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the past three decades, individuals infected with HIV live a much longer life. HIV infection is no longer a terminal but rather a chronic disease. However, the lifespan of infected individuals remains shorter than that of their uninfected peers. Even with ART, HIV infection may potentiate "premature" aging. Organ-associated disease and systemic syndromes that occur in treated HIV-infection are like that of older, uninfected individuals. Brain aging may manifest as structural changes or neurocognitive impairment that are beyond the chronological age. The spectrum of neurological, cognitive, and motor deficiencies, currently described as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), may reflect earlier onset of mechanisms common to HIV infection and aging (accelerated aging). HAND could also reflect the neurological impact of HIV infection superimposed on comorbidities linked to age and chronic inflammation, leading to a higher prevalence of neurocognitive impairment across the age span (accentuated aging). In addition, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), one of the most influential host risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease, has been implicated in the development of HAND. But studies differ as to whether ApoE is relevant, and whether age and ApoE interact to impair brain function in the HIV-infected patient. What is clear is that HIV-infected individuals are living longer with HIV, and therefore factors related to aging and health need to be examined in the context of current, effective ART. This review addresses the recent evidence for the influence of aging and ApoE on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.
More Related Videos
09:54Chronic, Acute, and Reactivated HIV Infection in Humanized Immunodeficient Mouse Models
Published on: December 3, 2019
13:58Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
Published on: September 26, 2011
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
01:22Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption